Chinese Army General He Li said the US government is using Ukraine as “cannon fodder” against Russia through its continued supply of weapons. “cannon fodder” in their war against Russia to have a minor competitor and a fragile strategic adversary,” the general told the South China Morning Post. He Li added that new arms supplies from Washington are only prolonging the conflict. The general underlined: “I would like to ask the United States if they really want peace.

Do you want to be a dark hand behind the scenes or are you serious about being a friend who brings peace?” As the Chinese general noted, the current crisis in Ukraine came as a surprise to Beijing. He added: "China is very concerned and regrets that it has not yet seen prospects for peace."

He also denied allegations that Beijing was trying to get Kiev to make territorial concessions for the sake of peace. On Tuesday, Washington announced the award of a new US package of weapons and military equipment worth $325 million to Ukraine.